Pituitary Gland Flashcards
Explain why the pituitary gland is called the master gland of the endocrine system.
It controls the rest of the endocrine system.
Compare and contrast the two lobes of the pituitary gland and their general functions.
Both:
- Releases hormones into the bloodstream.
Anterior pituitary:
- Synthesizes hormones.
Posterior pituitary:
- Stores hormones.
- Released hormones stimulate anterior pituitary to release hormones
Identify two hormones released by the anterior pituitary, their targets, and their effects.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Target: Thyroid gland
Effects: Stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormone
Growth hormone (GH):
Target: Body cells
Effects: Stimulates body cells to synthesize proteins and grow
Explain how the hypothalamus influences the output of hormones by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
The hypothalamus secretes releasing and inhibiting hormones that travel directly to the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
They simulate the anterior to either release or stop releasing particular pituitary hormones.
Name and give the function of two hypothalamic hormones released by the posterior pituitary gland.
Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH): Release of growth hormone (GH)
Prolactin releasing hormone (PRH): Release of prolactin
True or False. The pituitary gland only secretes hormones that are involved in reproduction.
False
True or False. The brain does not produce hormones, only glands produce hormones.
False
If a releasing hormone is secreted from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland, which part of the pituitary receives it? Explain your answer.
The anterior.
The anterior lobe receives hormones from the hypothalamus through blood vessels and synthesizes other hormones in response.
Answer the following question about prolactin releasing hormone (PRH) and prolactin inhibiting hormone (PIH).
A. Where are these hormones produced?
The hypothalamus
Answer the following question about prolactin releasing hormone (PRH) and prolactin inhibiting hormone (PIH).
B. Where are their target cells located?
The anterior pituitary
Answer the following question about prolactin releasing hormone (PRH) and prolactin inhibiting hormone (PIH).
C. What are their effects on their target cells?
PRH causes the release of prolactin from the pituitary.
PIH stops release of prolactin from the pituitary.
Answer the following question about prolactin releasing hormone (PRH) and prolactin inhibiting hormone (PIH).
What are their ultimate effects on milk production? Explain your answer.
PRH increases milk production while PIH decreases milk production.
- PRH simulates the anterior lobe to release prolactin, which simulates the mammary glands to produce milk
- PIH simulates the anterior lobe to stop the release of prolactin, stopping milk production.
Answer the following question about prolactin releasing hormone (PRH) and prolactin inhibiting hormone (PIH).
E. When a baby nurses, which of these hormones is most likely released in the mother? Explain your answer.
PRH
Simulation of nursing will cause PRH to release, PRH stimulates anterior glands to release prolactin, which simulates mammary glands to produce milk.
State whether the hormone is synthesized in the pituitary or the hypothalamus.
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)
Hypothalamus
State whether the hormone is synthesized in the pituitary or the hypothalamus.
Growth hormone (GH)
Pituitary
